All things Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun? Well Charlie says it does for me though I am not so sure it would be fun. But teaching Charlie I have to get out of my comfort zone and do new things. So here I go again….
Levenhuk Microscope and STEM Novels by Science, Naturally!
For Charlie and I there is nothing that bringsScience alive more than seeing it or doing it yourself. Sometimes that can be challenging, especially when you want to get in close – real close! Whether you are a teacher, homeschooling or just have a Science lover in your family, it can be challenging to find a high-quality microscope that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Amy, a former teacher turned homeschooling mom, was recently given the opportunity to review the Levenhuk Microscope.
Here’s what Amy had to say:
When presented with the opportunity to review a Levenhuk MicroscopeI jumped at the chance. As a homeschooling mom to a middle school student, I want to make sure he is learning all of the Scienceconcepts in a hands-on way. We tried the inexpensive “toy” microscope but honestly, the quality just wasn’t there, and the construction left a lot to desire.
I’ve spent hours searching for a microscope only to feel like a good quality microscope is out of our budget. Then my family received the Levenhuk 50L Plus microscope.
Amazing Microscope
Levenhuk 50L Plus is a high-quality microscope at an affordable price of less than $100. It is built to last with a metal body that will withstand the regular use and movement (probably more than daily use too). Everything is put together really well, and I appreciate that the knobs and lens don’t move too quickly.
There is a slight resistance that helps keep everything in focus, even if the microscope gets bumped. Levenhuk 50L Plus makes it perfect for beginners, little hands, and busybodies. Levenhuk 50L Plus comes with a hard case and an experiment kit to help you get started. It has everything you need for some severe and microscopic fun!
Unboxing the Microscope
Upon taking the microscope out of the box, it was effortless to put together. Merely insert the eye-piece and choose your power source. The lens can be used with batteries or the included AC adapter.
We preferred connecting to electricity because the lights were a little brighter than with battery use, but both options provided enough light for excellent viewing.
I love that the battery is an option because it would be so easy to grab themicroscope case and head to the park for a day of Science. Everything you’d need, including blank slides, tweezers, and the eye dropper, and a specimen slicer, would be together in the case and ready to go. The microscope is not heavy or bulky and in the case would be easy to store or travel.
This microscope comes with double LED illumination. It has the typical light under the slide plate, but also a second light above the slide plate that shines down on the slide. To see well using a microscope you must have the view, and the Levenhuk lens has it! Once we got set-up, it was time to start checking things out.
We first started with the prepared slides included in the experiment kit. These slides were terrific and gave us the excellent insight into the quality of the microscope.
Then we began venturing out and creating our slides using anything and everything we could find. Following the instructions in the provided manuals, we were able to wet mount and view hair samples, a wing from a dead ladybug and even a tiny ant!
The clarity of this microscope was exceptional and so much more than what I expected from a microscope in this price range. The manuals that come with the kit have so much information that guides you through microscope skills well beyond a beginner level. As a homeschooling mom, I know that I will be able to make many lessons just from that manual alone!
The Invisible World
We also received the Invisible World by Oksana Mazur and Levenhuk Press.
The Invisible World that is not only filled with exceptional photographs but also more than 80 pages of facts and experiments.
The Invisible World starts with a detailed history of the microscope and then goes into essential safety rules for using the lens correctly.
There are sections in The Invisible World for single-celled organisms, plants, animals, parasites, life in water, and so much more. Hours and hours of fun are sure to stem from The Invisible World.
Whether you are a homeschooling mom like me or just know someone that loves Science, I would highly recommend the Levenhuk 50L Plus microscope.
Did I mention Levenhuk 50L Plus microscope comes in some fantastic colors too? You can find this tremendous Levenhuk 50L Plus microscope and more amazing Levenhuk products and accessories ! I’m already checking out the prepared slide sets and the telescopes!
Levenhuk also has D50L Plus model that includes a digital camera for the microscope. I did my best to take some pictures of what can be seen through the lens with my DSLR camera, having a camera connected the microscope would be the best option. If your using the microscope for academic purposes I would recommend looking into that (I know that I will be).
I can’t think of any better way for a student to be able to label or explain what they say under the microscope than with a picture of what they saw. A drawing just doesn’t always capture the necessary detail. I am excited for my son to be able to add these pictures to his science notebook too!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
